Presentation Information
[P-13-01]An Accessible, Affordable and Effective Clinical Nature-Based Intervention Programme for ASD Children and their caregivers
*Tammy Neo1, *John, Chee Meng Wong1,2, Angelia Sia3, Esther, Yuen Ling Tai1, Stephanie, Sze-Yin Seow1, Michelle Lee, Christel Chang, Tiffany Ho1, Natalie Lei1, Maria Paula Leon Mora, Kenneth Khoo3, Kian Seng Ding, Maria Koh, *Kee Juan Yeo2 (1. National University Hospital, Singapore (Singapore), 2. National University of Singapore (Singapore), 3. National Parks Board of Singapore (Singapore))
Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder,Family Therapy,Nature Therapy,Emotional Well-being,Mental Health
Nature has been proven to be useful in improving the mental well-being of neurotypical children. A lack of affordable and accessible therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children persists, with an even greater lack of family-based therapies and self-care programs.
A 6-week 90-minute intervention program curated based on DIRFloortime® principles involving caregiver-facilitator assisted nature play was carried out in specially designed Nature Playgardens. Participant dyads (n=28) were ASD boys aged 5-9 and their caregivers aged 21-80. Study consisted of 4 time-points, pre (T0), mid (T1), post (T2), post 4-weeks (T3) intervention. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDsQL) measured child's psychosocial quality of life (QoL)at T0, T2, and T3, while the Emotional Regulation Checklist (ERC) tested for a child’s negative emotional reactivity at T0 and T2. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measured caregiver's mental well-being at T0, T1, T2 and T3 while Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC-s) measured caregiving burden.
Linear Mixed Model Analysis controlling for age revealed at 95% CI:
Child participants’ negative emotional reactivity (ERC) significantly decreased from T0 to T2, mean difference = -4.71, p<.001, CI (-6.31, -3.11). Child’s psychosocial QoL (PEDsQL) significantly increased from T0 to T2 and T3. Mean difference (T2) = 5.96, p = .004, CI (1.98, 9.95). Mean difference (T3) = 6.82, p = .001, CI (2.84, 10.81).
Caregivers’ mental well-being improved with a significant decrease in GHQ-12 scores from T0 to T2, mean difference = -2.03, p = .046, CI (-3.82, -.034).Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative relationship between caregiving burden and child’s psychosocial QoL at T2, r(26) = -.42, p =.027.
Hence, this clinical nature-based intervention helped increase emotional and psychosocial health of ASD children, with this improvement simultaneously decreasing caregiving burden. An increase in overall caregiver psychological well-being was also observed, validating an effective, accessible and affordable self-care intervention program.
A 6-week 90-minute intervention program curated based on DIRFloortime® principles involving caregiver-facilitator assisted nature play was carried out in specially designed Nature Playgardens. Participant dyads (n=28) were ASD boys aged 5-9 and their caregivers aged 21-80. Study consisted of 4 time-points, pre (T0), mid (T1), post (T2), post 4-weeks (T3) intervention. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDsQL) measured child's psychosocial quality of life (QoL)at T0, T2, and T3, while the Emotional Regulation Checklist (ERC) tested for a child’s negative emotional reactivity at T0 and T2. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measured caregiver's mental well-being at T0, T1, T2 and T3 while Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC-s) measured caregiving burden.
Linear Mixed Model Analysis controlling for age revealed at 95% CI:
Child participants’ negative emotional reactivity (ERC) significantly decreased from T0 to T2, mean difference = -4.71, p<.001, CI (-6.31, -3.11). Child’s psychosocial QoL (PEDsQL) significantly increased from T0 to T2 and T3. Mean difference (T2) = 5.96, p = .004, CI (1.98, 9.95). Mean difference (T3) = 6.82, p = .001, CI (2.84, 10.81).
Caregivers’ mental well-being improved with a significant decrease in GHQ-12 scores from T0 to T2, mean difference = -2.03, p = .046, CI (-3.82, -.034).Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative relationship between caregiving burden and child’s psychosocial QoL at T2, r(26) = -.42, p =.027.
Hence, this clinical nature-based intervention helped increase emotional and psychosocial health of ASD children, with this improvement simultaneously decreasing caregiving burden. An increase in overall caregiver psychological well-being was also observed, validating an effective, accessible and affordable self-care intervention program.